"SUNSET VILLA" |
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If you are a beach lover you will be spoilt for choice with the superb selection of tropical beaches within the immediate and local areas. The Gulf Coast provides spectacular sunsets. There are four beaches in the immediate area on the barrier island of Manasota Key and plenty more beautiful beaches slightly further afield including the seventh best beach in the whole USA. |
Manasota Key Beaches (immediate area) Manasota Beach is located on the northern end of the island and boasts 14 acres of Gulf front beach and sand dunes with special areas set aside for sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks and bathhouse facilities. Blind Pass Beach (also called Middle Beach) is the most isolated beach on the Key, ideal for total relaxation. There is parking, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. There is also a nature trail that you follow with dunes and wildflowers. |
Englewood Beach is the most popular beach on Manasota Key and is the closest to the Villa taking only 10 minutes to get there. Parking, picnic tables, showers and restrooms are provided, with many places to eat nearby. Stump Pass Beach is on the southern end of Manasota Key. It is a great place to visit to get a feel of what Florida was like many years ago. It is not crowded and you can walk the beach from the Gulf of Mexico to the Bay and witness some of the most spectacular sunsets. |
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Lemon Bay Park – Visit the butterfly garden, picnic sites and nature trails at this park located on Lemon Bay, north of Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood. Classes and guided walks are available. Indian Mounds Park – Located on Lemon Bay, south of Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood. Indian Mounds offers a public boat ramp with parking facilities. Other amenities include a picnic pavilion, picnic tables and a historic nature trail. Cedar Point Environmental Center – Located on the shores of Lemon Bay on Placida Road, this park boasts 88 acres with five marked hiking trails through Southwest Florida pine flatwoods, oak scrub, salt flats and the mangrove fringe of Lemon Bay. American bald eagles and gopher tortoises as well as many endangered plants, are found here. Guided tours are available. Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area – This park can be reached only by boat. Located on the barrier island of Don Pedro, you’ll need to travel south of Stump Pass on the I.C.W. just past the ‘no-wake zone’ and make a quick right at the brown State Park sign. About 20 boat slips await you at the docks. A short walk across the island takes you to a huge covered area and several barbecue grills. Restrooms and showers are available. Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area – Cross the bridge to Gasparilla Island and travel to the tip of the island. Located on Boca Grande Pass, where Charlotte Harbor enters the Gulf of Mexico, this park boasts a lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities. Cayo Costa State Park – This park occupies most of Cayo Costa Island located directly south of Boca Grande. Accessible only by boat, the natural features of the island are stunning. Miles of beaches, acres of pine forests, oak palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and a spectacular display of bird life welcome visitors. Overnight camping and rental cabins are available. |
 Venice Beaches (30 - 45 minutes drive) Nokomis Beach is located on Casey Key. It is a nice public beach with free parking, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers. North Jetty Beach is located on Casey Key. It has free parking, lifeguards, concessions, volleyball courts, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. It is an excellent beach for boat watching, fishing and surfing. Venice Beach is located on Venice Island with free parking, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers. This large public beach is a favourite for the locals, so you will need to get there early on the weekend to enjoy what the locals enjoy all year round. Brohard Beach located on Venice Island is a quiet beach with plenty of free parking and restrooms. This beach is across from Venice airport where you can soak up the sun and see small private planes coming and going. |
Siesta Beach is the widest and most popular beach in the area and is famous for its spectacular soft white quartz sand. The amenities include lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, showers, 10 volleyball courts, four tennis courts and a playground shaded by Australian Pines. Crescent Beach was ranked as the seventh best beach in the whole of the US in 2004. Noted for its crescent shape and amazing soft white quartz sand that extends from the northern tip of Siesta Key south past Siesta Beach to point of rocks. The best way to access the beach is by taking a stroll from Siesta. Turtle Beach is not as popular as Siesta beach, making this an ideal beach for people who enjoy a quiet, relaxing day. There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, playground, showers and restrooms. Boaters can also launch their boats into the lagoon and park their trailers while they enjoy a day on the water. |
Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north-south. Hence the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells. Well worth the trip. Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier is the site of an historic functioning lighthouse. Located on the eastern tip of Sanibel, wrapping around to the bay side. This is where the t-dock-fishing pier is and a boardwalk nature trail winding through native wetlands. Turn left on Periwinkle Way from Causeway Road. Gulfside City Park located mid-island this beach features picnic tables and shady pines. Tarpon Bay Beach with easy parking for recreational vehicles and a short hike from the parking lot to the beach. Located at the south end of Tarpon Bay Road at West Gulf Drive. Mid Island. Bowman’s Beach Pristine and quiet, you won’t find any hotels here. Park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There is an outdoor shower located at this beach. This is the only beach with barbecue grills. Located off Sanibel-Captiva Road, turn left on Bowman’s Beach Road. Up Island. |
Manasota Key Parks (immediate area)
Siesta Key Beaches (45 - 60 minutes drive)
Sanibel Beaches (78 miles)For further information please contact us: dodsworth777@btinternet.com Telephone: +44 (0)1757 630974 |